CHECKPOINTS

CONFINED SPACES
Avoiding Common Mistakes in Gas Detection
By Rick Pedley
For maintenance, utility or construction professionals, working in confined spaces tends to be one of
the most dangerous aspects of the job. Oxygen may be in short supply when working in manholes,
crawl spaces, tunnels and other confined areas.

If hazardous gases are present in the Not Deciding Where what to do in the event of an emergency
air, you and your team must ventilate the & How to Monitor in Advance to reduce their exposure to hazardous
space until safe readings are observed. The shape and structure of a particu- gases in the workplace.
That is why it is important to regularly lar confined space will determine what
monitor these areas for hazardous gases. approach to take. Since various gases can Entering Without an Escape Route
However, monitoring your workspace stratify (some are heavier or lighter than If the confined space fills with toxic
is often more involved than simply air), a deep space should be measured or explosive gases or oxygen becomes
switching on a gas monitor. Avoid these starting at the lowest point and at differ- scarce, the team should have immedi-
common mistakes to keep your team safe ent levels going up. This is best done with ate access to an escape route. Monitor
when working in confined spaces. a motorized pump equipped gas detec- all exits and entrances to the space to
tor. Once workers are inside, it is good make sure the team can leave as quickly
Skipping the Initial Risk Assessment practice for each team member to wear as possible in the event of a leak. Avoid
Before you start monitoring the work- a personal gas detector, preferably in the crowding around these entrances or
space, conduct an initial risk assessment breathing zone. blocking them with equipment. The
to learn more about the area in question. nature of the work environment may
The shape and structure of the space Not Preparing for Lack of Oxygen change instantly. Make sure workers
are critical to understanding how to Whenever entering a confined space, have a second escape route if one en-
approach the task. A diagram shared you must prepare for a sudden lack of trance becomes blocked.
with the team can help identify hazards oxygen. Create a contingency plan if the Workers should also have a way to
while assigning roles and responsibilities. air quality suddenly changes. The gas communicate with each other in the
Understand how air flows into the space monitor should send several warnings if confined space so that everyone can leave
and identify all exits and entrances to hazardous gases are present in the space, promptly in the event of an emergency.
the space. Developing the habit of using including an audible alarm, vibrations Gas detection equipment can also fail
a confined space permit procedure every or a flashing light. Once the alarm goes from time to time, so workers must have
time is an important first step. off, the team should respond immedi- access to a way out if their monitor sud-
ately by either ventilating the space with denly stops working.
Not Calibrating the additional air or leaving the space imme-
diately. Make sure team members know Not Monitoring the Space Over Time
Monitor Beforehand Monitoring confined spaces for haz-
It is important to calibrate monitors
before using them in a confined space. Working in confined ardous gases is an ongoing job. Oxygen
levels can easily change over time, so
You may be used to bump testing mon-
itors at the start of each shift, but a full
spaces comes with plenty you should get in the habit of monitor-
ing the work space, both at the start of
recalibration is the best way to protect of potential hazards, but every shift and continuously throughout
yourself in confined spaces. Use this step
the day, to make sure workers can still
to ensure that the monitor’s alarms and you can minimize risk if breathe easily. Do not assume that the
sensors are working properly so you do
not get stuck inside the space with mal- you and your team have confined space is the same as it was yes-
terday. Take new readings to make sure
functioning equipment. access to the right gas the space is safe for human occupancy.
Using Expired Calibration Gas detection equipment. Conclusion
When it comes to calibrating moni- Working in confined spaces comes
tors, be sure to check the expiration date with plenty of potential hazards, but you
JENNIFER E. WOLF/ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGES PLUS

on the calibration cylinders. Disposable can minimize risk if you and your team
calibration cylinders have a set shelf have access to the right gas detection
life of between 18 months and 3 years, equipment. Keep these tips on hand to
depending on the type of gas. If the cyl- give your team more peace of mind on
inder is expired, the gas monitor may not the job. PSJ
respond to the test gas as intended, which
means that the monitor will not be prop- Rick Pedley is president and CEO of PK
erly calibrated. Incorrect readings can Safety (www.pksafety.com), a supplier of in-
dangerously narrow the margin for error dustrial safety products and manufacturer of
inside a confined space. FR workwear.

assp.org MARCH 2021 PROFESSIONAL SAFETY PSJ 45